5 Ways to Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms can be very frustrating and painful. The first way to help reduce your symptoms is to reduce your stress level. If you have stress in your life, figure out a way to get rid of it. Whether it's a stressful relationship, job, friendship, or monetary situation, resolve the issues that are causing problems and relax. There are several major events that can cause stress such as the death of a loved one, marriage, divorce, moving to a new residence, or a change of employment. If one of these reasons has stressed you out, know that the stress will cease with time and take everything day by day. Your stress level plays a huge contribution to your IBS symptoms and eliminating the stress will ease your stomach.

One of the main symptoms of IBS is having to go to the bathroom often. If you're a smoker, your trips to the bathroom may be more often than people who don't smoke. Smoking causes the nervous system to speed up and thus causes digestive system to work overtime. If you can't quit smoking, just cut down and see if it helps.

Cut out alcohol. Alcohol can have the same effects that smoking can and truly, it's just not worth it when your stomach already hurts. If you have to drink, at least wait until you have your IBS under control and then ease alcohol back into your schedule. At least cut down drinking, if you do drink, and you'll notice a huge difference in your IBS symptoms.

Lay off dairy products for a couple of weeks. Milk, cheese, sour cream and any other dairy product can really wreck havoc on your digestive tract. It's not always easy for your stomach and intestines to process and break down dairy when you have IBS.

Many people who suffer from IBS have such serious problems that they can't go out much because of the symptoms. If you really want to get out for an evening without having to use the bathroom, try an anti-diarrheal product such as Immodium AD. Two pills will help you have an enjoyable evening out without worry.

If you've already tried these suggestions and nothing seems to help, see your doctor. The problems may be relieved with a prescription drug. You can also try keeping a food journal for a couple of weeks. Write down everything you eat and try and discover if you may have a food allergy. One of the foods you are consuming may ultimately be the culprit.